Ensemble Raye - En Frac!
SKU
RAYEUSINES003
The 3rd release by this Swiss folk-influenced RIO-style outfit features Cedric Vuille-guitars, clarinet, Momo Rossel-accordions, Pierre Kaufmann-reeds, Shirley Hoffman-euphonium & Jean-Vin Huguenin-guitars. Recorded live in the studio, the sound is a little less rich than their (amazingly wonderful) first two releases, but still nice, generally melodic stuff.
"The next L'Ensemble Rayé CD, En Frac!, was released in 1996 and marked a departure from the previous albums: it is truly a "band" recording -- made live in the studio by a quintet version of the group. The band then consisted of Huguenin, Vuille, Kaufmann, and two new permanent members, Canadian Shirley Anne Hofmann mainly on an array of instruments from the brass family (including euphonium, trombone, and tuba) and fellow Swiss Momo Rossel, like Huguenin and Vuille a former member of Débile Menthol. Rossel, a bassist, guitarist, and accordionist, had formerly led the avant-prog band Nimal, of which Huguenin had been a member and to which Vuille, Kaufmann, and Hofmann had all contributed as guest musicians. The alternatingly sprightly and moody album of European folk-influenced avant-rock and jazz was perhaps L'Ensemble Rayé's strongest display of composing, arranging, and instrumental virtuosity yet, proving that multi-tracking and other studio techniques were not necessary for the group to produce phenomenal music."-answers.com